[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 17 (Monday, April 30, 2007)]
[Page 536]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on North Korea Freedom Week

April 27, 2007

    I send greetings to all those observing North Korea Freedom Week. 
Those living in North Korea regrettably know firsthand the meaning of 
deprivation of freedom. I have met in the Oval Office with some of the 
courageous few who have managed to escape from the country. I have heard 
firsthand accounts of their suffering in North Korea and of their 
dangerous journeys to freedom. And I have seen how they now live in 
freedom's light. We will continue to strengthen our commitment to bring 
freedom to all repressed peoples. I believe the 21st century will be 
freedom's century for all Koreans. One day every citizen of that 
peninsula will live in dignity, freedom, and prosperity at home and in 
peace with their neighbors abroad. Until that day comes, we will not 
rest in our efforts to support the North Korean people as they strive to 
achieve the rights and freedoms to which they are entitled as human 
beings.